Ganjam is Witnessing Declining Trend in COVID Cases, Says Collector

Berhampur: Ganjam district, which was witnessing maximum number of single day spike in Coronavirus cases till few days back, is now witnessing a declining trend in COVID-19 cases day by day.

District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange attributed this trend to the intensive health screening and testing.

Speaking about the coronavirus situation in the district, Kulange said that the positivity rate is constantly falling, even though the testing is increasing.

Initially, the positivity rate was 60 to 70 per cent, but now it has come down to 20 per cent. It is a good sign indicating the number of COVID-19 patients is decreasing. The recovery rate in the district has improved to 78% in the district, he said.

The testing has been increased three times since the first week of July following the door-to-door health screening of the people, he added.

Talking about the delay in releasing test results, Kulange said that due to some technical issues in two labs, there was delay in giving the COVID test results. Now it has been resolved and we are focusing on timely release of test results, he added.

Going by the current situation, the district administration is predicting around 250 (plus or minus) positive cases for the next week, he said.

Speaking about the health infrastructure, the Ganjam Collector said that there is no dearth of beds for the patients.

With the inauguration of two more dedicated COVID hospitals, the combined bed capacity at the DCHs has now reached 520.

Another 100 beds will be added by the end of this month, he said.

There are 90 ICU units and 725 oxygen support beds, he added.

As many as 472 patients, who recovered from COVID-19, have come forward to donate their plasma for the treatment of serious patients, he added.

The Collector has once again appealed to the people to follow the social distancing norms very sincerely and not to hide symptoms.